Flame Angelfish(Centropyge loricula)

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The
flame angelfish, Centropyge loricula,
is a member of the family Pomacanthidae.
This species is endemic to the southern and western
regions of the Pacific Ocean. These are primarily a marine species but
they also inhabit brackish lagoons. Flame angelfish are typically found
in coral reefs and along coastal shorelines. Populations exist in the
Coral Sea, the Great Barrier Reef, New Guinea, Guam, the Philippines,
Society and Cook Islands and to a lesser extent in the Hawaiian
Islands. This fish makes its home in the lower surge zones occurring in
depths up to 200 feet.

The flame angelfish derives it name from its brilliant color
palette. Coloration is distinctive to geographical location. However
they are typically bright orange or red with vertical blue to black
bars mid-body and neon blue trim on their anal fins. This species is
often referred to as dwarf angelfish. They are considerably smaller
than many other species of angelfish only growing to an adult length of
approximately 4 inches. These fish have an average life expectancy of
5-7 years. They are often marketed under the names, dwarf flame
angelfish, dwarf angel, and flame angel.

Dwarf angelfish are not as sensitive to environmental parameters as
most other angelfish. They are the
number one recommendation angelfish
for intermediate level aquarists. It adjusts well to aquarium life,
makes for a good community dweller and is a suitable choice for marine
reef aquariums. When first introduced to an aquarium these fish tend to
be shy. This shyness is generally short lived. In no time at all they
become comfortable in their new surroundings. Once they have regained
their confidence they may have a tendency to pick on the smaller
species in the tank. It is advisable to add them to an established
population to lessen the likelihood of bullying. In reef tanks they may
view coral and clams as a source of nutrition. This fish will occupy
all levels of the aquarium. However they are accustomed to the low
water surge zones of their natural habitat. They are therefore most at
home in aquariums with higher circulation levels. They will thrive in
low to zero nitrate level water.

Flame angelfish can be aggressive toward other members of their
species. Dwarf angels should be kept as a single specimen or in pairs.
Territorial behavior will diminish in direct relation to the size of
your aquarium. A 30 gallon tank is the smallest recommendation.

This is a rather pricy investment although not near the price of
some of the larger varieties of angelfish. Still, if you purchase this
fish locally it is advisable to have the fish store hold it in a
quarantine tank for a few weeks before taking it home. This will not
only protect your investment it will also prevent the possibility of
disease being introduced to your existing population.

This is an omnivorous
species. In captivity they can be fed
pellets, frozen marine meat products, brine shrimp, and seaweed sheets.
They have been known to readily adapt to flake food. In nature a
considerable amount of their nutritional intake is from algae. Having
algae in your tank or supplementing their diet with commercially
prepared dried algae will help avert problems associated with
nutritional deficiencies. They should also have plenty of live rock to
graze on.

This species
is among the
countless protogynous hermaphrodites
found in the ocean. They all begin life as females. If two females are
in the same tank together the larger more dominant one will undergo a
gender change. This dwarf angelfsih rarely breeds
in captivity. In the wild spawning
takes place at dusk. Adult fish demonstrate a lack of parental
instinct. They will simply allow their eggs to drift away with the
current.